Washington (March 22, 2017) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) today announced New England native Paul Tencher as the Chief of Staff for his U.S. Senate office. Prior to joining Senator Markey’s staff, Tencher managed the 2012 upset win of Senator Joe Donnelly in deep red Indiana, one of the hardest-fought Senate races that cycle. He then served as Campaigns Director at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, where he focused on early candidate recruitment and building campaign staffs across the country. He also led the come-from-behind victory for Senator Gary Peters in Michigan in 2014. Paul previously managed the Evan Bayh for Senate campaign in the 2016 election cycle.

Tencher has more than a decade of experience on the campaign trail, including managing races in Vermont, Missouri, New Jersey and his home state of Rhode Island. Paul began his public service career serving as then-Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts’ chief of staff in Rhode Island and served as staff in the U.S. House of Representatives during the Democratic push for health care reform, Dodd Frank and climate legislation. Paul is a lifelong member of Red Sox Nation and a Patriots season ticket holder.

“Paul joins our team during an unique time in America, and I am fortunate to have an experienced advisor to lead our efforts in Washington,” said Senator Markey. “Paul’s proven track record managing effective organizations and strategic agendas shows he has the leadership, energy and grit to direct my office in this unprecedented time of legislative battles. Paul knows how to motivate others to win, and I know he will use his years of experience in politics and public service to fight for the people of Massachusetts.”

“It is an honor to join Senator Markey and his extraordinary staff at this critical time for America’s families and democratic values,” said Tencher. “I have long admired Senator Markey’s commitment to protecting consumers, combatting climate change, expanding health care, and turning the tide on the opioid crisis. Senator Markey is a passionate and effective leader in the national movement to resist Donald Trump’s divisive and destructive policies. I am proud to join him in this fight and in service to the people of the Commonwealth.”

Senator Markey is top Democrat on the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy of the Foreign Relations Committee and is a member of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee; Environment and Public Works Committee; and Small Business Committee.